Employers can legally bar workers who decline the COVID-19 vaccine from returning to work under certain conditions, according to guidelines recently issued by a federal agency.
The decision from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opens the door for private employers to mandate vaccinations. The matter is murkier for employees covered by a union and public sector employees, who have additional rights that must be addressed, three attorneys who specialize in labor law said.
The guidelines, issued on Dec. 16, were eagerly awaited by employers nationwide, who are grappling with the pros and cons of essentially taking away an employeeâs right to make personal choices regarding a health care-related matter.